The Taste of Money is almost like a sequel to Im-Sang Soo 's previous film, 'The Housemaid'. The themes are virtually identical and once again the director showcases his wonderful stylized cinematography and attention to detail.

Not as polished and convincing as The Housemaid remake. There is no tension, no surprises, no nuances. But the biggest flaw is that the film lacks perversity. This Borgia family is nowhere as evil as it has been described. Ultimately, the taste of money falls flat.

Lacks the fatalistic unease of Housemaid, yet has something else stranger on offer. Taste unfolds like a mystery, with murder and sabotage that wouldn't be out of place in a giallo save for one thing: whodunnit is of no importance. We know who but it doesn't matter. Im's compositions are still first-rate, even among South Koreans, as he/his leads chase some singularly strange and ugly truth. Who knows if he found it?

They say comparisons are odorous, but what are you going to do? 'The Housemaid' was excellent, and so expectations on your next movie are too high, resulting in disappointment. You have to gamble big, and that's not what this is.